Myopia Go Back

The prevalence of myopia is increasing at an alarming rate not only in Asia but globally, currently being three times higher than obesity. It has become very important for us to try and control its progression considering the associated potentially blinding pathology with myopia including retinal detachment, glaucoma, myopic maculopathy and cataract.

There are a few trials underway studying the effect of low dose atropine eye drops in slowing the progression. The Atropine in the Treatment of Myopia (ATOM) 1 and ATOM 2 trials conducted in Singapore showed positive results. ATOM 1 showed that atropine eye drops applied in one eye over a period of 24 months reduced the progression of myopia by 77% compared with the untreated eye. The ATOM 2 showed that there was no difference in efficacy between atropine concentrations of 0.5%,0.1% or 0.01%.

Infact, concentrations as low as 0.01% atropine reduced progression by 59% with the added advantages of reduced side effects of atropine including inability to read and increased light sensitivity. Although atropine has an affinity to melanin so it will be interesting to see the results in the first European trial underway.

The Low-Concentration Atropine for Myopia Progression (LAMP) study found 0.05% atropine was most effective in controlling spherical equivalent progression and axial length elongation for upto one year. It remains the optimal concentration among the studied concentrations in slowing myopia progression.

It can also be prevented to progress by identifying children at risk, for example strong family history, poor lifestyle or who are less hyperopic than normal for their age. Educating the parents to encourage these children for regular checks and to spend more time in outdoor activities will also be helpful.

Normal Macula

Myopic Maculopathy